Lie in the Dark and Listen: The Remarkable Exploits of a WWII Bomber Pilot and Great Escaper

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Memoir for World War II Student
Review: Almost everyone has heard of "The Great Escape,"the massive effort to tunnel out of the German POW camp formally known as Stalag Luft III. The brave and amazing operation was made famous around the world when it was made into the hit movie of the same name starring Steve McQueen. Author Ken Rees is one of the few living British airmen involved in the escape operation from Stalag Luft III. Lie in the Dark and Listen is the remarkable story of his life.

Co-written by Karen Arrandale, Commander Rees recounts the four years he spent (from the young age of 17 to the ripe old age of 21) in the RAF. His resume is amazing. Rees trained as a bomber pilot in Wellington, dropped bombs on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisnau, fought in the bloody actions in the skies over Malta, and flew a remarkable 56 nighttime bombing missions over Germany. On his last mission he was shot down over Norway and captured by the Gestapo. Rees was interned in Stalag III and played an active role in tunneling out of the complex-a feat that so aggravated the Germans that Hitler ordered 50 of the men executed.

Lie in the Dark and Listen recounts with vivid clarity the excitement, drama, trauma, and danger of flying a heavy bomber in flak-filled skies at such a young age, being responsible for the lives of your men, and watching in helpless terror as comrades are shot from the sky before your eyes. While all of this is fascinating, most readers will be anxiously turning pages to discover what he has written about his experience as one of the "Great Escapers." Readers will not be disappointed. Rees recalls the events as if they were yesterday, describing in detail his life in the prison camp, his active role in digging tunnels and serving on the "escape committee," and his reaction when he learned of the murder of his 50 comrades.

Rees returned home after the war and played rugby for several English and RAF clubs as he continued serving in the RAF. He retired in 1968, bought a pub, and established himself as a successful and sought-after speaker.

Recommended for both serious students and readers of popular history, all general libraries.